Tanitoluwa Adewumi
Nigerian-American chess player who currently holds the title of FIDE Master (FM)
Tanitoluwa Emmanuel Adewumi (known as Tani Adewumi) is a Nigerian-born American FIDE master. Adewumi made headlines when he won the 2019 New York State K-3 Chess Championship (the group for children between kindergarten and third grade) while living in a homeless shelter. Adewumi's family had fled Nigeria after receiving death threats from religious extremists and took refuge in New York in 2017. After The New York Times published his story, Adewumi became an international star and multiple people stepped in to help the young player thrive.
Philosopher's Notes on Tanitoluwa Adewumi's Books
My Name Is Tani
by Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Kayode Adewumi, Oluwatoyin Adewumi and Craig Borlase
Tanitoluwa Adewumi, known as Tani, is one of the greatest young chess players in the country, and his story is nothing short of miraculous. Born in Nigeria, Tani and his family fled religious persecution, arriving in the U.S. as refugees. While living in a homeless shelter, Tani defied all odds to win the New York State K-3 Chess Championship. This book, written by Tani and his parents, captures the family’s journey of resilience, hope, and faith. From finding shelter in America to winning his first chess trophy, Tani’s story is one of Heroic determination and belief in miracles. I couldn’t put the book down, and it’s packed with Big Ideas about overcoming adversity, staying committed to your dreams, and how the impossible can become reality with the right mindset. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas from the book—let’s jump straight in!